Quantitative analysis of morphometric variations of human spleen - A cadaveric study

Abstract

The spleen is a largest collection of lymphoid tissue with diverse hemopoietic and phagocytic function. Recent experimental data have clearly defined immunological functions of spleen in innate and adaptive immunity, as a frontline of host defense against various infections. A comprehensive knowledge of splenic anatomical variations and morphometric dimensions is crucial in deciphering the role of spleen in health & infirmity. The aim of the study is to perform detailed morphometric analysis human splenic specimens with relation to age & gender differences and compare the findings with earlier studies. The present study included 40 cadaveric spleen and morphometric features i.e., length, breadth, width and weight of spleen were measured. The average splenic weight observed was 178.5 gm and range was 100 to 300 gm. The average length, breadth and width of spleen were 11.9 cm, 7.33 cm and 3.4 cm respectively. The average splenic volume in the present study was 167.27 cc. There was a significant increase in splenic volume till 40-49 years followed by steady decline. The awareness of the morphology and dimensions of the spleen is of fundamental importance to the hematologists, clinicians, radiologists, prosectors and surgeons while performing surgical procedures on spleen.